Indian Navy's first training squadron reaches Cambodia

IANS February 14, 2025 212 views

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron has arrived in Cambodia, marking a significant diplomatic milestone under the 'Act East' policy. Two naval ships, INS Sujata and ICGS Veera, reached Sihanoukville Port for a strategic engagement with the Royal Cambodian Navy. The four-day visit includes cross-training, social interactions, and professional maritime exchanges, highlighting India's commitment to regional cooperation. This engagement represents a nuanced approach to building strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia through naval diplomacy.

"The visit aims to further consolidate maritime relationships between India and Cambodia" - Indian Navy Statement
New Delhi, Feb 14: As a part of India's 'Act East', ships of First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Sujata and ICGS Veera reached Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia on Friday, an official said.

Key Points

1

India's naval engagement strengthens diplomatic ties with Cambodia

2

First Training Squadron conducts bilateral maritime exercises

3

Small Arms Simulator handed over to Royal Cambodian Army

4

Part of broader 'Act East' strategic policy

The port call from February 14-17 is part of the Long-Range Training Deployment of the squadron to South East Asia.

The ships were warmly welcomed by representatives of Maritime agencies of Cambodia, said a statement issued here.

The ships will engage in numerous activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Cambodian Navy (RCN).

The visit shall include cross-training visits, social interaction, friendly sports fixtures and PASSEX with RCN. The visit also features the formal handing over of a Small Arms Simulator to the Royal Cambodian Army.

The defence engagement and capacity building are a part of the warm and cordial India-Cambodia ties, and the visit of the squadron is aimed at further consolidating the maritime relationship between the two countries.

Previously in February 2024, the Cambodian Navy participated in Ex-MILAN 24 at Visakhapatnam.

The extant visits highlight the importance of growing India-Cambodia relations and strengthening maritime association and regional stability as a part of India's 'Act East' policy, the statement said.

Earlier last month, the indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai participated in the fourth edition of the Multinational Exercise LA PEROUSE.

This edition witnessed the participation of personnel/surface and sub-surface assets from various maritime partners including the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy and Royal Canadian Navy.

The exercise is aimed at developing common Maritime Situational Awareness by enhancing cooperation in the field of maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction operations and air operations along with the conduct of progressive training and information sharing.

Tags:
Indian Navy Cambodia Act East Policy Maritime Cooperation Naval Diplomacy INS Sujata ICGS Veera
You May Like!